neckcloth

[ nek-klawth, -kloth ]

noun

, Obsolete.

, plural neck·cloths [nek, -klaw, th, z, -klo, th, z, -klawths, -kloths].

1. cravat ( def 2 ).

neckcloth

/ ˈnɛkˌklɒθ /

noun

1. a large ornamental usually white cravat worn formerly by men

Word History and Origins

Origin of neckcloth¹

First recorded in 1630–40; neck + cloth

Example Sentences

Dressed in a top hat, waistcoat and cravat neckcloth, Francis Scott Key - played by historical actor Fred Taylor - recited the lines of the famous poem to an eager audience Tuesday.

From Washington Times

He studied me in the mirror now that he had me covered with the striped neckcloth, and I saw a frown of faint recognition.

From Literature

Men came out of barber shops with lathered faces, their neckcloths hanging, to watch and comment in hushed voices.

From Literature

A neckcloth or a coat would be quite innovations.

From Project Gutenberg

The pope wore a dark great coat over his priest's cassock, a low-crowned round hat, and a broad brown woollen neckcloth outside his straight Roman collar.

From Project Gutenberg